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The information that Ashoka had large number of brothers, and he was guilty of murdering them, is primarily found in
  • a)
    Buddhist accounts
  • b)
    The inscription
  • c)
    The Ceylonese chronicles
  • d)
    Foreign accounts
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The information that Ashoka had large number of brothers, and he was g...
The correct answer is option 'A' - Buddhist accounts.

Buddhist accounts are the primary source of information regarding the large number of brothers Ashoka had and his alleged guilt in their murder. The life and reign of Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor, are extensively documented in Buddhist texts and scriptures.

Buddhist accounts:
- The Buddhist texts, particularly the "Ashokavadana" and the "Divyavadana," provide detailed accounts of Ashoka's life, including his family background and the events that took place during his reign.
- According to these texts, Ashoka had several brothers, and there was a power struggle among them for the throne after their father's death. Ashoka emerged as the victor, but it is mentioned that he resorted to violence, including the murder of his brothers, to secure his position.

Importance of Buddhist accounts:
- The Buddhist accounts are considered significant because they provide valuable insights into Ashoka's personal life and the dynamics of the Mauryan empire. These texts were composed during or soon after Ashoka's reign, making them relatively contemporary sources.
- The Buddhist texts portray Ashoka's transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate ruler after the bloody war of Kalinga. This event marked a turning point in Ashoka's life, leading him to embrace Buddhism and adopt a policy of non-violence.

Other sources of information:
Although Buddhist accounts are the primary source, information about Ashoka can also be found in other historical sources. These include:

- The inscription: Ashoka's edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars, provide insights into his policies, religious beliefs, and administrative measures. However, these inscriptions do not specifically mention the alleged murders of his brothers.

- The Ceylonese chronicles: The Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa, chronicles written in Sri Lanka, also provide information about Ashoka. However, they rely heavily on Buddhist accounts and do not provide additional details about the murder of his brothers.

- Foreign accounts: Foreign accounts, such as those by Greek historians like Megasthenes, mention Ashoka and his empire. However, these accounts do not specifically discuss the alleged fratricide.

In conclusion, while there are multiple sources that provide information about Ashoka, including his brothers and their alleged murder, the primary and most detailed accounts are found in Buddhist texts and scriptures. These texts offer valuable insights into Ashoka's life and the transformation he underwent during his reign.
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The information that Ashoka had large number of brothers, and he was guilty of murdering them, is primarily found ina)Buddhist accountsb)The inscriptionc)The Ceylonese chroniclesd)Foreign accountsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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